Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Southlake Posts 10 Consecutive Weeks of Negative WNV Mosquito Results

The City of Southlake has posted 10 consecutive weeks of negative WNV mosquito results.

The Office of Emergency Management began trapping mosquitoes in five locations around the city in April.  The team sets the baited traps on Tuesdays and collects the captured mosquitoes the next day.

With 16 weeks of testing remaining, Emergency Management will continue to collect the traps each week to send samples to the Tarrant County Health Lab for testing of West Nile Virus, Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE), and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

The mosquito traps are designed to capture pregnant/egg-laying Southern House Mosquitoes, which is the species of mosquito that is the primary disease carrier in Texas.  The results of the trapping and testing determine when and where mosquito control measures (like mosquito spraying) will be implemented.

If any results test positive, the Office of Emergency Management will post to the Southlake DPS and City of Southlake Facebook pages, as well as on Nextdoor each Friday, if applicable.  We will also provide a GIS (Geographic Information System) map of where spray trucks will be scheduled.

We need your help to keep up the winning streak.  Residents are encouraged to join in on the control effort and to avoid bites by taking the following steps:

  • Eliminate potential breeding habitats for mosquitoes, such as getting rid of standing water around the home.
  • Make sure window screens and screen doors are in good repair.
  • Wear long sleeve shirts and pants outdoors during peak mosquito activity periods.
  • Use mosquito repellents when necessary, and always follow label instructions.

If you have any mosquito questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Emergency Management at 817-748-8903.

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